Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

We spent St. Patrick's Day in Charleston with my sister.  She wanted some corn beef and cabbage.  I suggested that we make our own.  I had found a recipe in a local magazine I wanted to try.  It was delicious!  Much better than going out to eat.  You'll have to try this recipe next St. Patrick's Day.

Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage

1 small cabbage (cut into chunks)
1 onion (cut into eighths)
1 corned beef brisket (do not use packet of spices)
1 quart apple juice
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
2-3 small red potatoes (cut in half)
Baby carrots (as many as you want)

Place all ingredients in a large crock pot.  Stir to mix.  Cook on low for 8 hours.  When done, remove meat and slice thinly across the grain.  Serve with vegetables and some of the liquid.

Red Cabbage

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  I got some red cabbage in my co-op.  What do you do with red cabbage besides shredding it and putting it in salads?  Cook it, of course!  Well, I have never cooked or even tasted cooked red cabbage but was willing to give it a try.  Whoa!  It as delicious!  I love when I learn new things!

Red Cabbage

1/2 red cabbage shredded
2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 small onion sliced
1/3 cup white or apple cider vinegar (I used white because I had it)
2 Tablespoons sugar (can use Stevia instead)
1 teaspoon ground mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat skillet over medium high heat.  Add oil and onion and saute for 2-3 minutes.  Add cabbage and saute until it looks wilted, 3-5 minutes.  Add vinegar and mix.  Add sugar and mustard, mix again. Season with salt and pepper to taste, reduce heat and continue to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve. 

Cabbage Soup with Meatballs

It's getting to be soup weather, so here is a great recipe to share with your family.  It is so good and I love the meatballs in it.  It has a little sweet and sour taste.  I have already made it three times.  My family loves it!

Cabbage Soup with Meatballs

3 lb. cabbage (one head)

1 (16 oz) can tomatoes

3 cups water

2 (8 oz) cans tomato paste

½ cup vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
large onion

Meatballs

1 ½ - 2  pounds ground beef

1 egg
¼ cup quick oats
1 small onion, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Soak cabbage in hot water for about 5 minutes.  Slice onion and place in bottom of large pot (4-6 qt).  Shred cabbage and place in pot together with tomatoes, water, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, mix meat mixture and form into balls.  Place meatballs on top of cabbage soup and bring to a second boil.  Cover and simmer for 2 hours.